In the last issue, Mitch Silver wrote about the “preying” mantis in his backyard. I have no idea if the praying mantis on the mirror that we have leaning against our back porch wall is the same one or a relative of Mitch’s. (Actually, I don’t know if praying mantises have relatives. I do know that being a father mantis is a dangerous occupation.)

Perhaps our mantis thinks her reflection in the mirror is an attractive suitor and will stay there until he makes his move. Anyway, we have alerted all butterflies on our property to lie low.

— Allen Clark